#OpenDebateChallenge. Truth is more important than victory. By Bashir Ashura

 

.A couple of years ago I attended a debate in Abuja in which teams of young people debated the merits of power and politics. All the participants engaged in the debate in a disciplined way, marshalling their arguments, responding to their opponents’ points and bringing passion and patience to a controversial subject.

Both teams had been trained by the actions leading their path. The programme gave millions of young people in Nigerian the skills and confidence to develop their debating skills and to know more about politics, power and performances. The advanced countries also run similar programmes to help young people freely express their thoughts and opinions on the issues that affect their lives.

Politicians in many countries have debating societies. At my school (many years ago) we were encouraged by our teachers to tackle the most controversial subjects of the day. It taught us skills that have been invaluable in our working lives: about the importance of preparation, about setting out key points in a simple and logical way, and about anticipating the counter-arguments.

We also learned that debating was not about winning the vote, but about getting to the heart of the matter. Yes, the vote was about which side presented their facts in the most effective way. But the purpose of the debate was to expose all the vital issues to public scrutiny. Truth was more important than victory.

This approach by Saraki’s Aide, Mallam Ibrahim Olayinka Otukoko is illustrated by is standard level of sense, his public exposure, well-known for his Hard Talk interviews on radio and community impacts. 

I could recall Last 2years when his team organised a door to door food distribution through Saraki Foundation which The otoge government copied the strategy as well across the 16 LGAs. And last year when meetings with young business people in ilorin, you did as well to organize another set of people with the same logic they ran. So it won't be nice if your Excellency refused to come out for an open Debate challenge sir. 

However, These are controversial topics. But as Tim says: “We hope the answers will give a valuable insight into the mood of the KWARANS as it decides the direction of its political transition.”

Promoting debate is not about trying to expose O'TOGE'S weakness. Debate is the bedrock of democracy in any culture or political system. It is a fundamental part of freedom of expression which is itself recognised world-wide as a basic human right.

To realise the importance of debate we just have to look at the alternative. There are numerous examples in history of autocrats who demand blind acceptance of their rule, brook no criticism, stamp out dissent and lock up opponents. The result is a government that lacks accountability and a system that breeds corruption and resorts to violence.

The alternative is an open society which welcomes and encourages debate as a healthy way to discuss ideas. No democratic government should try to rule without listening to voters. Most policy issues have an impact on people: on the prices they pay for their bread, on the way their children are educated and on how they are treated in hospital.

It is smart politics to hear what they have to say on such issues, invite their ideas and manage their expectations. People close to the central knows mire better than those in the North and south how the education, health and developmental system is working. 

I would appreciate his Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the Otoge government should promote debate about the direction of change and modernisation of those services.

Debate will inevitably generate opposing views. That is healthy. It creates a constructive tension out of which bold ideas can emerge. And by trying to build consensus and an inclusive political process, governments can maintain and bolster stability. This process will help people to appreciate the full range of factors that need to be taken into account on an issue: maybe the cost is too high, maybe the environment will be damaged. And in some cases it might lead to those in authority to think again about the course they favour.

For at the heart of the matter is the dictum that it is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debate. 

*I'm Bashir Ashura H. From Patigi LGA of Kwara State, young media practitioner and an  advocate of good Governance.*